2016 MERCEDES-BENZ GLE-Class tow bar

RIf possible, do not brake suddenly, but insteaddepress the brake pedal moderately at first so
that the trailer can activate its brakes. Then
increase the pressure on the brake pedal.
RIf the automatic transmission repeatedly
shifts between gears on uphill or downhill gra-
dients, shift to a lower gear using the left-hand
steering wheel paddle shifter.
A lower gear and lower speed reduce the risk
of engine failure.
RWhen driving downhill, shift to a lower gear toutilize the engine's braking effect.
Avoid continuous brake application as this
may overheat the vehicle brakes and, if instal-
led, the trailer brakes.
RIf the coolant temperature increases dramat-
ically while the air-conditioning system is
switched on, switch off the air-conditioning
system.
Coolant heat can also be dissipated by open-
ing the windows and switching the ventilation blower and the interior temperature to the
highest level.
RWhen overtaking, pay particular attention to
the extended length of your vehicle/trailer
combination.
Due to the length of the vehicle/trailer com-
bination, you require additional road space in
relation to the vehicle you are overtaking
before you can change back to the original
lane.
Decoupling a trailer
GWARNING
If you uncouple a trailer with the overrun
brake engaged, you could trap your hand
between the vehicle and the trailer drawbar.
There is a risk of injury.
Do not uncouple a trailer if the overrun brake
is engaged.
GWARNING
Vehicles with level control:
The vehicle is lowered as soon as you discon-
nect the trailer cable. This could result in your
limbs or those of other people that are
between the vehicle body and tires or under-
neath the vehicle being trapped. There is a
risk of injury.
Make sure that nobody is in the immediate
vicinity of the wheel housings or under the
vehicle when you disconnect the trailer cable.
!Do not disconnect a trailer with an engaged
overrun brake. Otherwise, your vehicle could
be damaged by the rebounding of the overrun brake.
XShift the transmission to position P.
XApply the vehicle's electric parking brake.
XStart the engine.
XClose the doors and tailgate.
XApply the trailer's parking brake.
XDetach the trailer cable and decouple the
trailer.
XSwitch off the engine.
Permissible trailer loads and drawbar
loads
Weight specifications
Maximum allowable gross mass
The gross vehicle weight of the trailer is calcu-
lated by adding the weight of the trailer to the
weight of the load and equipment on the trailer. You will find installing dimensions and loads
under "Technical data" (
Ypage 444).
Permissible noseweight
You will find installing dimensions and loads
under "Technical data" (Ypage 444).
Loading a trailer
RWhen loading the trailer, make sure that nei-
ther the permissible gross weight of the trailer
nor the gross vehicle weight are exceeded.
The permissible gross vehicle weight is indi-
cated on the identification plate located on
the B-pillar on the driver's side of the vehicle.
You can find the maximum permissible values
on the type plates of your vehicle and the
trailer. When calculating how much weight
Towing a trailer261
Driving and parking
Z

the vehicle and trailer may carry, pay atten-
tion to the respective lowest values.
RThe trailer drawbar load on the ball coupling
must be added to the rear axle load to avoid
exceeding the permissible gross axle weight.
The permissible gross vehicle weight is indi-
cated on the identification plate located on
the B-pillar on the driver's side of the vehicle.
iMercedes-Benz recommends a trailer load
where the trailer drawbar noseweight
accounts for 8 % to 15 % of the trailer's per-
missible gross weight.
iThe weight of additional accessories, pas-
sengers, and cargo reduces the permissible
trailer load and drawbar load for your vehicle.
Checking the vehicle and trailer weight
RTo check that the weights of the towing vehi-
cle and the trailer comply with the maximum
permissible values, have the vehicle/trailer
combination (including the driver, passen-
gers, and cargo with a fully laden trailer)
weighed on a calibrated weighbridge.
RCheck the gross axle weight rating of the front and rear axles, the gross weight of the trailer
and the trailer drawbar noseweight.
Removing the ball coupling
XRemove the spring cotter.
XRemove the bolt from the ball coupling
recess.
XRemove the ball coupling from the ball cou-
pling recess.
XClean the ball coupling if it is dirty.
XStow the ball coupling so that it cannot be
thrown around.
Observe the loading guidelines (
Ypage 329)
and the safety notes regarding stowage spaces
(
Ypage 330).
Information on cleaning and care of the trailer
tow hitch (
Ypage 366).
Trailer power supply
!
Accessories with a maximum power con-
sumption of 180 W can be connected to the
permanent power supply. You must not charge a trailer battery using the
power supply.
The trailer socket of your vehicle is equipped at
the factory with a permanent power supply.
The permanent power supply is supplied via
trailer socket pin 4.
The trailer's permanent power supply is
switched off in the event of low vehicle supply
voltage and after six hours at the latest.
A qualified specialist workshop can provide
more information about installing the trailer
electrics.
262Towing a trailer
Driving an d parking

RImmediately change out of clothing which
has come into contact with tire sealant.
RIf an allergic reaction occurs, seek medical
attention immediately.
!Do not operate the tire inflation compressor
for longer than eight minutes at a time without
a break. It may otherwise overheat.
The tire inflation compressor can be operated
again once it has cooled down.
Comply with the manufacturer’s safety instruc-
tions on the sticker on the tire inflation com-
pressor.
Using the TIREFIT kit
XDo not remove any foreign objects which have
penetrated the tire, e.g. screws or nails.
XRemove the tire sealant bottle, the accompa-
nying TIREFIT sticker and the tire inflation
compressor from the stowage well under-
neath the cargo compartment floor
(
Ypage 369).
XAffix part :of the TIREFIT sticker to the
instrument cluster within the driver's field of
vision.
XAffix part ;of the TIREFIT sticker near the
valve on the wheel with the defective tire.
XPull connector ?with the cable and hose A
out of the tire inflation compressor housing.
XScrew hose Aonto flange Bof tire sealant
bottle :.
XPlace tire sealant bottle :head downwards
into recess ;of the tire inflation compres-
sor.
XRemove the cap from valve Con the faulty
tire.
XScrew filler hose Donto valve C.
XInsert connector ?into a socket in your vehi-
cle.
Cigarette lighter socket: (
Ypage 342)
12 V sockets: (
Ypage 343)
Observe the notes on the cigarette lighter
(
Ypage 342). Observe the notes on sockets
(Ypage 343).
XTurn the SmartKey to position 1in the ignition
lock (Ypage 145).
XPress on and off switch =on the tire inflation
compressor to I.
The tire inflation compressor is switched on.
The tire is inflated.
First, tire sealant is pumped into the tire. The
pressure may briefly rise to approximately
500 kPa (5 bar/73 psi).
372Flat tire
Breakdown assitance

Do not switch off thetire inflation com -
pressor during this phase .
XLet thetire inflation compressor run for a
maximum of fiv eminutes. The tire should then
hav eattained apressur eof at least 18 0kP a
(1. 8bar/2 6psi) .
If apressur eof 18 0kP a(1. 8bar/26 psi) has
been attained after fiv eminutes, see "Tir epres-
sur ereached" (
Ypage 373).
If atire pressur eof 18 0kP a(1.8 bar/26 psi) has
not been attained after five minutes, see "Tire
pressure not reached" (
Ypage 373).
If tire sealant has escaped, clean it off affected
areas as quickly as possible. Use plain water if
possible.
If your clothes are soiled with tire sealant, have
them cleaned with perchloroethylene at a dry
cleaner as soon as possible.
Tire pressure not reached
If a pressure of 180 kPa (1.8 bar/26 psi) has not
been attained after five minutes:
XSwitch off the tire inflation compressor.
XUnscrew the filler hose from the valve of the
faulty tire.
Note that tire sealant may escape when you
unscrew the filler hose.
XVery slowly drive forwards or reverse approx-
imately 30 ft (10 m).
XPump up the tire again.
After a maximum of five minutes the tire pres-
sure must be at least 180 kPa (1.8 bar/
26 psi).
GWARNING
If the required tire pressure is not reached
after the specified time, the tire is too badly
damaged. The tire sealant cannot repair the
tire in this instance. Damaged tires and a tire
pressure that is too low can significantly
impair the vehicle's braking and driving char-
acteristics. There is a risk of accident.
Do not continue driving. Contact a qualified
specialist workshop.
Tire pressure reached
GWARNING
A tire temporarily sealed with tire sealant
impairs the driving characteristics and is not
suitable for higher speeds. There is a risk of
accident.
You should therefore adapt your driving style
accordingly and drive carefully. Do not exceed the specified maximum speed with a tire that
has been repaired using tire sealant.
The maximum permissible speed for a tire
sealed with tire sealant is 50 mph (80 km/h).
The upper part of the TIREFIT sticker must be
affixed to the instrument cluster in the driver's
field of vision.
!Residue from the tire sealant may come out
of the filler hose after use. This could cause
stains.
Therefore, place the filler hose in the plastic
bag which contained the TIREFIT kit.
HEnvironmental note
Have the used tire sealant bottle disposed of
professionally, e.g. at a qualified specialist
workshop.
If a tire pressure of 180 kPa (1.8 bar/26 psi) has
been attained after five minutes:
XSwitch off the tire inflation compressor.
XUnscrew the filler hose from the valve of the
faulty tire.
XStow the tire sealant bottle and the tire infla-
tion compressor.
XPull away immediately.
XStop after driving for approximately ten
minutes and check the tire pressure with the
tire inflation compressor.
The tire pressure must now be at least
130 kPa (1.3 bar/19 psi).
GWARNING
If the required tire pressure is not reached
after driving for a short period, the tire is too
badly damaged. The tire sealant cannot repair
the tire in this instance. Damaged tires and a
tire pressure that is too low can significantly
Flat tire373
Breakdown assitance
Z

XStart the engine of the donor vehicle and run it at idling speed.
XConnect negative terminal?of donor battery Bto ground point Aof your vehicle using the
jumper cable, connecting the jumper cable to battery of other vehicle Bfirst.
XStart the engine.
XBefore disconnecting the jumper cables, let the engine run for several minutes.
XFirst, remove the jumper cables from ground point Aand negative terminal ?, then from pos-
itive clamp ;and positive terminal =. Begin each time at the contacts on your own vehicle first.
XClose cover:of positive terminal ;after removing the jumper cables.
XHave the battery checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
PLUG-IN HYBRID vehicles: if your vehicle has been jump-started, it may not be possible to use the
electric drive for approximately 30 minutes.
Jump-starting is not considered to be a normal operating condition.
iJumper cables and further information regarding jump-starting can be obtained at any qualified
specialist workshop.
Towing and tow-starting
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Functions relevant to safety are restricted or
no longer available if:
Rthe engine is not running.
Rthe brake system or the power steering is
malfunctioning.
Rthere is a malfunction in the voltage supply or the vehicle's electrical system.
If your vehicle is being towed, much more
force may be necessary to steer or brake.
There is a risk of an accident.
In such cases, use a tow bar. Before towing,
make sure that the steering moves freely.
GWARNING
When towing or tow-starting another vehicle
and its weight is greater than the permissible
gross weight of your vehicle, the:
Rthe towing eye could detach itself
Rthe vehicle/trailer combination could roll-
over.
There is a risk of an accident.
When towing or tow-starting another vehicle,
its weight should not be greater than the per- missible gross weight of your vehicle. Details on the permissible gross vehicle weight
of your vehicle can be found on the vehicle iden-
tification plate (
Ypage 432).
!When COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST
PLUS, DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD function
is activated, the vehicle brakes automatically
in certain situations.
To avoid damage to the vehicle, deactivate
these systems in the following or similar sit-
uations:
Rwhen towing the vehicle
Rin the car wash
!Make sure that the electric parking brake is
released. If the electric parking brake is faulty,
visit a qualified specialist workshop.
!Only secure the tow rope or tow bar at the
towing eyes, or the trailer tow hitch, if availa-
ble. You could otherwise damage the vehicle.
!Do not use the trailer tow hitch for recovery
or towing. Do not use the towing eye for
recovery. this could damage the vehicle. If in
doubt, have the vehicle recovere d u
sing a
crane.
!When towing, pull away slowly and
smoothly. Pull the towed vehicle as straight as
possible and not at an acute angle. Excessive
tractive power could damage the vehicles.
When towing, it is preferable to use a rigid tow-
ing bar as opposed to a tow rope. A rigid towing
bar helps to keep the tractive power low.
!When towing vehicles with KEYLESS-GO,
use the key instead of the Start/Stop button.
Towing and tow-starting381
Breakdown assitance
Z

Sidewall
The part of the tire between the tread and the
bead.
Weight of optional extras
The combined weight of those optional extras
that weigh more than the replaced standard
parts and more than 2.3 kg (5 lbs). These
optional extras, such as high-performance
brakes, level control, a roof rack or a high-per-
formance battery, are not included in the curb
weight and the weight of the accessories.
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
This is a unique identifier which can be used by
a tire manufacturer to identify tires, for example
for a product recall, and thus identify the pur-
chasers. The TIN is made up of the manufactur-
er's identity code, tire size, tire type code and
the manufacturing date.
Load bearing index
The load bearing index (also load index) is a code
that contains the maximum load bearing capa-
city of a tire.
Traction
Traction is the result of friction between the tires
and the road surface.
TWR (Tongue Weight Rating)
The TWR specifies the maximum permissible
weight that the ball coupling of the trailer tow
hitch can support.
Treadwear indicators
Narrow bars (tread wear bars) that are distrib-
uted over the tire tread. If the tire tread is level
with the bars, the wear limit ofáin (1.6 mm)
has been reached.
Occupant distribution
The distribution of occupants in a vehicle at their
designated seating positions.
Total load limit
Nominal load and luggage load plus 68 kg
(150 lbs) multiplied by the number of seats in
the vehicle.
Changing a wheel
Flat tire
The "Breakdown assistance" section
(Ypage 370) contains information and notes on
how to deal with a flat tire. Information on driv-
ing with MOExtended tires in the event of a flat
tire can be found under "MOExtended tires (tires
with run-flat characteristics" (
Ypage 370).
Vehicles with an emergency spare wheel: in
the event of a flat tire, mount the emergency
spare wheel according to the description under "Mounting a wheel" (
Ypage 409).
Rotating the wheels
GWARNING
Interchanging the front and rear wheels may
severely impair the driving characteristics if
the wheels or tires have different dimensions. The wheel brakes or suspension components
may also be damaged. There is a risk of acci-
dent.
Rotate front and rear wheels only if the wheels and tires are of the same dimensions.
!On vehicles equipped with a tire pressure
monitor, electronic components are located
in the wheel.
Tire-mounting tools should not be used near
the valve. This could damage the electronic
components.
Only have tires changed at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
Always observe the instructions and safety
notes in the "Mounting a wheel" section
(
Ypage 409).
The wear patterns on the front and rear tires
differ, depending on the operating conditions.
Rotate the wheels before a clear wear pattern
has formed on the tires. Front tires typically
wear more on the shoulders and the rear tires in
the center.
On vehicles that have the same size front and
rear wheels, you can rotate the wheels accord-
ing to the intervals in the tire manufacturer's
warranty book in your vehicle documents. If no
warranty book is available, the tires should be
rotated every 3,000 to 6,000 miles (5,000 to
10,000 km). Depending on tire wear, this may
408Changing a wheel
Wheels and tires

only use wheel bolts which have been approved
for Mercedes-Benz vehicles and the respective
wheel.
!Always use wheel bolts;to mount the
"Minispare" emergency spare wheel. Using
other wheel bolts to mount the "Minispare"
emergency spare wheel could damage the
brake system.
:Wheel bolts for all wheels supplied by the
factory and for the collapsible spare wheel
(Mercedes-AMG GLE 63)
;Wheel bolts for the collapsible spare wheel
XClean the wheel and wheel hub contact sur-
faces.
XSlide the wheel to be mounted onto the align-
ment bolt and push it on.
XTighten the wheel bolts until they are finger-
tight.
XUnscrew the alignment bolt.
XTighten the last wheel bolt until it is finger-
tight.
XMercedes-AMG vehicles with a collapsi-
ble spare wheel: inflate the collapsible spare
wheel (
Ypage 429).
Only then lower the vehicle.
Lowering the vehicle
GWARNING
The wheels could work loose if the wheel nuts and bolts are not tightened to the specified
tightening torque. There is a risk of accident.
Have the tightening torque immediately
checked at a qualified specialist workshop
after a wheel is changed.
!Mercedes-AMG vehicles with a collapsi-
ble spare wheel: before lowering the vehicle,
inflate the collapsible spare wheel with the
tire inflation compressor. The wheel rim could
otherwise be damaged.
XPlace the ratchet wrench onto the hexagon
nut of the jack so that the letters ABare visi-
ble.
XTurn the ratchet wrench until the vehicle is
once again standing firmly on the ground.
XPlace the jack to one side.
XTighten the wheel bolts evenly in a crosswise pattern in the sequence indicated (: toA).
The tightening torque must be 110 lb-ft
(150 Nm).
XTurn the jack back to its initial position.
XStow the jack and the rest of the tire-change
tool kit in the stowage well under the cargo
compartment floor again.
XCheck the tire pressure of the newly mounted
wheel and adjust it if necessary.
Observe the recommended tire pressure
(
Ypage 390).
When you are driving with the collapsible spare
wheel mounted, the tire pressure loss warning
system or the tire pressure monitor cannot func-
tion reliably. Only restart the tire pressure loss
warning system or tire pressure monitor when
412Changing a wheel
Wheels and tires

Trailer loads
Trailer loads, trailer drawbar noseweights and axle loads
Missing values for the model GLE 450 Sport AMG 4MATIC were not available at the time of going to
print.
Permissible trailer load, braked (at a minimum gradient-climbing capability of 12% from a standstill)
GLE 250 d 4MATIC7198 lbs (3265 kg)
GLE 3506614 lbs (3000 kg)
GLE 350 4MATIC7198 lbs (3265 kg)
GLE 400 4MATIC7198 lbs (3265 kg)
GLE 550 4MATIC7198 lbs (3265 kg)
GLE 450 Sport AMG 4MATIC
Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 4MATIC7198 lbs (3265 kg)
Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S 4MATIC7198 lbs (3265 kg)
GLE 350 d 4MATIC7198 lbs (3265 kg)
GLE 550 e 4MATIC4409 lbs (2000 kg)
Maximumdrawbar noseweight (the drawbar noseweight is not included in the trailer load)
GLE 250 d 4MATIC575 lbs (261kg )
GL E 350529 lbs (240kg )
GL E 350 4MATIC575 lbs (261kg )
GL E 400 4MATIC575 lbs (261kg )
GL E 550 4MATIC575 lbs (261kg )
GL E 450 Sport AMG 4MATIC
Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 4MATIC575 lbs (261kg )
Merc edes-AMG GLE 63 S 4MATIC575 lbs (261kg )
GL E 350 d 4MATIC575 lbs (261kg )
GL E 550 e 4MATIC353 lbs (160kg )
Permissibl ere ar axle load when towing a trailer
GLE 250 d 4MATIC3638 lbs (1650 kg)
GLE 3503527 lbs (1600 kg)
GLE 350 4MATIC3527 lbs (1600 kg)
GLE 400 4MATIC3527 lbs (1600 kg)
GLE 550 4MATIC3527 lbs (1600 kg)
Trailerto w hitch445
Technical data
Z